Seal apparatus and method of manufacturing the same

ABSTRACT

A seal includes a housing with an exterior surface. The housing forms a cavity extending from the exterior surface into the housing and defines at least one slanted interior surface. The at least one slanted interior surface extends from the exterior surface of the housing and is in a substantially non-perpendicular and angled relation to the exterior surface of the housing. The seal also includes at least one electrical lead that extends through the housing and has a portion exposed across the cavity therein. The at least one electrical lead extends from the housing and is configured to be in electrical contact with at least one electrical component encased within the electronic control housing. The seal also includes an adhesive material that substantially fills the cavity and surrounds the exposed portion of the at least one electrical lead within the cavity.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

“Amine-cured Silicone Compositions Resistant to Hydrocarbon Fluid andUses Thereof” Ser. No. 12/190,834 and “A Method of Preparing Amine-CuredSilicone Compositions Resistant to Hydrocarbon Fluid and Uses Thereof”Ser. No. 12/190,876 both being filed on the same date as the presentapplication and both of which having their contents incorporated hereinby reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention relates to seals and, more specifically, toseals used in transmission systems.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices are often used in today's vehicular transmissionsystems. For example, electronic devices may be used to control theoperation of transmission systems in order to achieve improvedperformance of the vehicle for the user. The electronic devices aretypically disposed within a housing in the transmission and this housingis usually either partially or completely submerged in a fluid (e.g., atransmission fluid). One or more electric leads typically enter thehousing, for example, to supply power or carry control signals to orfrom the electronic devices residing within the housing, or to or fromother components outside the housing.

The problem of fluid leakage is often encountered with respect to theabove-mentioned housings in previous systems. More specifically, whenthe housing is submerged in a fluid, the fluid may enter the interior ofthe housing and reach the electronic devices disposed therein. If thefluid reaches the electronic devices, the electronic devices may becomedisabled or may malfunction, thereby disabling the system or creatingperformance problems for the vehicle. The problem of fluid leakage intothe housing holding the electronic devices is particularly troublesomeat the entry points for the electric leads that have been mentionedabove.

In an attempt to correct the problem of fluid leaking into the housingaround the entry points of the electric leads, previous systems haveutilized a seal associated with the leads. More particularly, theseprevious systems have employed a sealing cell or cavity that is formedabout the leads near where they enter the housing. After the sealingcell or cavity is formed, an adhesive is applied into the sealing cellor cavity in an attempt to prevent fluid entry into the housing.

Unfortunately, these previous approaches have not adequately preventedliquids from entering the housings. More specifically, fluids stillentered the housings at various places in the sealing cell despite theuse of sealing cell or cavity. This leakage was typically caused by thedebonding of the adhesive from the walls of the sealing cell that was,in turn, caused by thermal stress, or by some defect (e.g., a void)introduced when the adhesive was encapsulated into the sealing cell orcavity.

Consequently, previous approaches have proved inadequate in preventingfluid from entering the housings of previous transmission systems whereelectronic components are housed. This problem has, in turn, caused manytransmission systems to fall into non-compliance with various consumerspecifications/requirements. Additionally, the fluid leakage problempresent in previous systems has frequently led to the malfunction and/orinoperability of these transmission systems causing user frustration andinconvenience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 comprises a perspective view of a seal according to variousembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 comprises a top view of a seal of FIG. 1 according to variousembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 a comprises a side cut-away view of the seal of FIGS. 1-2according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 3 b and c comprise alternative side cut-way views of the seals ofFIGS. 1, 2, and 3 a according to various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 comprises a perspective view of a transmission assembly accordingto various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 comprises a side cut-way view of a transmission assembly of FIG.4 according to various embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 comprises a flowchart of an approach for forming or manufacturinga seal according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioningof some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative toother elements to help to improve understanding of various embodimentsof the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements thatare useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are oftennot depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of thesevarious embodiments of the present invention. It will further beappreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described ordepicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in theart will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence isnot actually required. It will also be understood that the terms andexpressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to suchterms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respectiveareas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwisebeen set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Seals for electrical leads in electronic transmission systems andapproaches for manufacturing these seals are provided. The sealsprovided herein substantially reduce or eliminate the intrusion offluids into electronic housings in transmission systems. The approachesdescribed herein are easy to manufacture, cost-effective to implement,and substantially reduce or eliminate fluid intrusion into electronichousings used in transmission systems. The effects of thermal stress ordefects of the adhesives used to form the seal are ameliorated.Consequently, malfunctions or inoperability of electronic components dueto fluid intrusion is significantly reduced or eliminated. Usersatisfaction with vehicular performance is enhanced.

In many of these embodiments, a seal for preventing the entry of fluidinto an electronic control housing in a transmission system is provided.The seal includes a housing and the housing has an exterior surface. Thehousing forms a cavity extending from the exterior surface into thehousing and the housing defines one or more slanted interior surfaces.The one or more slanted interior surfaces extend from the exteriorsurface of the housing and are configured in a substantiallynon-perpendicular and angled relation to the exterior surface of thehousing. The seal also includes one or more electrical leads that extendthrough the housing and have a portion exposed across the cavitytherein. The one or more electrical leads extend from the housing andare configured to be in electrical contact with one or more electricalcomponents encased within the electronic control housing. The seal alsoincludes an adhesive material that substantially fills the cavity andsurrounds the exposed portion of the electrical leads within the cavity.

The adhesive material may be composed of a variety of differentmaterials. For example, the adhesive material may be an epoxy and afluorocarbon. Other examples of adhesive materials are possible.

The one or more slanted surfaces may take on a number of forms, shapes,configurations, and dimensions. In one example, the slanted surface isfurther formed of a plurality of individual step portions. In anotherexample, the slanted surface is formed with a wave-like pattern. Otherexamples of configurations for the slanted surface are possible.

In other examples, the cavity further defines a side surface and theside surface is configured and disposed to be in substantiallyperpendicular relation and in communication with the exterior surfaceand in substantially parallel relation to the electrical leads. In oneapproach, the side surface is formed with a wave-like pattern. However,it will be appreciated that the side surface may be formed according toother patterns or configurations.

The seals described herein may be placed at different locations withrespect to the housing. In some examples, the seal is configured to bedisposed within the electronic control housing of the transmissionsystem. Alternatively, in other examples, the seal is configured to bedisposed outside of and communicate with the electronic control housingof the transmission system. Other examples of placements for the sealare possible.

In others of these embodiments, a transmission assembly includes anelectronic control housing and the electronic control housing has atleast one electronic control component disposed therein. The assemblyalso includes a seal that is in communication with the electroniccontrol housing. The seal has an exterior surface and forms a cavityextending into the seal. The cavity defines one or more slanted interiorsurfaces and the interior surfaces extend from the exterior surface andare in a substantially non-perpendicular and angular relation to theexterior surface.

The assembly also includes one or more electrical leads that extendthrough the seal and have a portion exposed across the cavity therein.The electrical leads extend from the seal and are coupled to theelectronic control components. An adhesive material substantially fillsthe cavity and surrounds the exposed portion of the electrical leadswithin the cavity of the seal.

In others of these embodiments, one or more electrical leads are formed.A housing is molded at least partially around the electrical leads andthe housing is formed with an exterior surface. A cavity is formed inthe housing and the cavity extends into the housing from the exteriorsurface. The cavity defines one or more slanted interior surfaces andthe slanted interior surfaces extend from the exterior surface and arein a substantially non-perpendicular and angled relation to the exteriorsurface. The cavity is formed so as to expose a portion of theelectrical leads within the cavity. The cavity is filled with anadhesive material and the adhesive material substantially fills thecavity and surrounds the exposed portion of the electrical leads.

In other examples, the adhesive material is cured. This may be performedby applying heat to the material. For example, the adhesive material maybe heated in an oven at a temperature of 140 degrees Celsius for aperiod of one hour. Other examples of curing temperatures and timeperiods may be used.

In still other examples, the cavity is formed so as to extend completelythrough the housing. A block may be placed beneath the housing beforefilling the cavity. The block is used to prevent adhesive from leakingthrough the cavity during manufacturing.

Thus, seals for electrical leads in electronic transmission systems andapproaches for manufacturing these seals are provided. The sealsprovided herein substantially reduce or eliminate the intrusion offluids into electronic housings in transmission systems. The approachesdescribed herein are easy to manufacture, cost-effective to implement,and substantially reduce or eliminate fluid intrusion into housings intransmission systems. Consequently, malfunctions or inoperability ofelectronic components due to fluid intrusion are significantly reducedor eliminated.

Turning now to the figures and referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 a, oneexample of a seal 100 is described. The seal includes a housing 102 andthe housing has a first exterior surface 104 and a second exteriorsurface 105. The housing 102 forms a cavity 106 extending from theexterior surface 104 into the housing 102 and defines a first slantedinterior surface 108, a second slanted interior surface 110, a thirdslanted interior surface 112, and a fourth slanted interior surface 114.

The cavity 106 includes an opening having a first opening edge 130 and asecond edge 131. In one example, the first opening edge is 15 mm and thesecond opening edge is 10 mm. However, it will be appreciated that otherdimensions for the opening edges of the cavity 106 may also be used.

The slanted interior surfaces 108 and 110 extend from the first exteriorsurface 104 and the slanted interior surfaces 112 and 114 extend fromthe second exterior surface 105 of the housing 102 and are in asubstantially non-perpendicular and angled relation to the exteriorsurfaces 104 and 105 of the housing 102. In one example, the firstslanted interior surface 108, the second slanted interior surface 110,the third slanted interior surface 112, and the fourth slanted interiorsurface 114 are configured at a 30-45 degree angle with respect to thefirst exterior surface 104 and second exterior surface 105. However, itwill be appreciated that other angles may also be used.

The slanted interior surfaces 108, and 110 extend from the firstexterior surface 104 extend to a first interior surface 132. The thirdand fourth slanted interior surfaces 112 and 114 extend to a secondinterior surface 133. The first interior surface 132 and second interiorsurface 133 are formed so as to be substantially perpendicular to thefirst exterior surface 104 and the second exterior surface 105. In oneexample, the first interior surface 132 and the second interior surface133 have a length (across the housing 102) of 15 mm and a thickness of 2mm. However, it will be understood that other dimensions for thesurfaces 132 and 133 can be employed.

Additionally, in the examples described herein, four slanted surfacesare shown and these are configured according to certain angles anddimensions. However, it will be understood that any number of slantedsurfaces may be used and the angles, dimensions, sizes, shapes, andother characteristics of these surfaces may vary.

The seal 100 also includes a first electrical lead 118 and a secondelectrical lead 120 that extend through the housing 102 and have aportion exposed across the cavity 106 therein. The first and secondelectrical leads 118 and 120 extend from the housing 102 and areconfigured to be in electrical contact with one or more electricalcomponents encased within an electronic control housing (not shown inFIG. 1). In one example, the housing 120 for the leads 118 and 120 is 1mm thick and 3 mm wide and is square or rectangular in thecross-section. However, it will be appreciated that the housing mayassume other dimensions, shapes, and configurations.

The seal 100 also includes an adhesive material that substantially fillsthe cavity 106 and surrounds the exposed portion of the electrical leads118 and 120 within the cavity 106. The adhesive material (shown as aclear material within the cavity 106) may be any number of differentmaterials or combination of materials. For example, the adhesivematerial may be an epoxy and a fluorocarbon. Other examples of adhesivematerials may also be used.

The slanted surfaces 108, 110, 112, and 114 may also take on a number offorms, shapes, configures, angles, patterns, or other characteristics.In another example, the slanted surfaces 108, 110, 112, and 114 arefurther formed of a plurality of individual step portions. In stillanother example, the slanted surfaces 108, 110, 112, 114, and 116 areformed with a wave-like pattern. Other examples of configures for theslanted surfaces are possible.

The cavity 106 further defines a first side surface 122 and a secondside surface 124 that are in substantially perpendicular relation and incommunication with the exterior surfaces 104 and 105 and are insubstantially parallel relation to the electrical leads 118 and 120. Theside surfaces 122 and 124 are formed of a wave-like pattern.Alternatively, the side surfaces 122 and 124 may be smooth or of someother pattern.

The seal 100 may be placed at different locations. As shown in FIG. 1,the seal 100 is configured to be disposed outside the electronic controlhousing of the transmission system. However, in other examples, the seal100 is configured to be disposed to be within the electronic controlhousing of the transmission system.

Referring now to FIG. 3 b, an alternative example of the slantedsurfaces of the seal 100 is described. In this example, the slantedsurfaces 108, 110, 112, and 114 are stepped rather than smooth. The stepstructure helps the retention properties of the adhesive that fills thecavity 106.

Referring now to FIG. 3 c, an alternative example of the slantedsurfaces of the seal 100 is described. In this example, the slantedsurfaces 108, 110, 112, and 114 are jagged rather than stepped orsmooth. The jagged structure helps the retention properties of theadhesive that fills the cavity 106.

It will be appreciated that the approaches described herein amelioratethe effects of thermal stress, friction, and defects within the adhesivematerial to name a few problems present in previous systems. The slantedsurfaces employed within the cavity 106 of the seal 100 in the presentapproaches eliminate or substantially reduce the chance of tensioncracks from developing at the interface between the seal 100 and theelectronic housing. Further, the approaches described herein allow moreinterlocking for the adhesive to be achieved within the cavity 106 and,consequently, eliminate or substantially reduce debonding ordelamination of the adhesive.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, one example of a transmission assembly400 includes an electronic control housing 402 and the electroniccontrol housing has electronic control components 404 disposed isdescribed. The assembly 400 also includes a seal 406 that is incommunication with the electronic control housing 402. Although theexamples described herein are illustrated with an electronic controlhousing (i.e., a housing electronic components for controlling atransmission), it will be appreciated that the present approaches areapplicable to prevent fluid intrusion into housings containing all typesof components (e.g., a combination of electronic components andmechanical components or mechanical components only). In other words,the present approaches are not limited to use with housings includingonly electronic components.

The seal 406 has a first exterior surface 408 and forms a cavity 410extending into the seal 406. The cavity 410 defines a first slantedinterior surface 412 and a second slanted interior surface 414. Theslanted interior surfaces 412 and 414 extend from the first exteriorsurface 408 and are in a substantially non-perpendicular and angularrelation to the exterior surface 408. The cavity 410 also defines athird slanted interior surface 413 and a fourth slanted interior surface415. The slanted interior surfaces 413 and 415 extend from a secondexterior surface 409 and are in a substantially non-perpendicular andangular relation to the second exterior surface 409.

The assembly 400 includes a first electrical lead 416 and a secondelectrical lead 418 that extend through the seal 406 and have a portionexposed across the cavity 410 therein. The first electrical lead 416 andthe second electrical lead 418 extend from the seal 406 and are coupledthe electronic control components 404. An adhesive materialsubstantially fills the cavity 410 and surrounds the exposed portion ofthe first electrical lead 416 and the second electrical lead 418 withinthe cavity 410 of the seal 406.

The electronic control housing 402 also is sealed by O-rings 430. Theelectronic components 404 may reside on a printed circuit board (PCB)432, which itself resides on a heat sink 434.

The adhesive material (shown as a clear material within the cavity) maybe a variety of different materials. For example, the adhesive materialmay be an epoxy and a fluorocarbon. Other examples of adhesive materialsare possible.

The slanted surfaces may take on a number of forms. In one example, theslanted surfaces are further formed of a plurality of individual stepportions. In another example, the slanted surfaces are formed with awave-like pattern. Other examples of shapes and configurations for theslanted surfaces are possible. In addition, it will be appreciated thatthe shape and configuration of the slanted surfaces may vary. Forexample, some of the slanted surfaces may be smooth while others may beof a stepped-shape.

The cavity 410 further defines a first side surface 420 and a secondside surface 422 that are in substantially perpendicular relation and incommunication with the exterior surfaces 408 and 409 and insubstantially parallel relation to the electrical leads 416 and 418. Theside surfaces 420 and 422 may be formed of a wave-like pattern. Otherexamples of configurations of the side surfaces 420 and 422 arepossible.

The seal 406 described herein may be placed at different locations. Inthis example, the seal 406 is configured to be disposed outside of andcommunicate with the electronic control housing 402 of the transmissionsystem. In other examples, the seal 400 is configured to be disposedwithin the electronic control housing 402 of the transmission system.Other placements for the seal 406 are possible.

As with the other examples described herein, it will be appreciated thatthe approaches described herein ameliorate the effects of thermalstress, friction, and defects within the adhesive material to name a fewproblems present in previous systems. The slanted surfaces employedwithin the cavity 410 of the seal in the present approaches eliminate orsubstantially reduce the chance of tension cracks from developing at theinterface between the seal 406 and the electronic housing 402. Further,the approaches described herein allow more interlocking for the adhesiveto be achieved within the cavity 410 and, consequently, eliminate orsubstantially reduce debonding or delamination of the adhesive.

Referring now to FIG. 6, one example of an approach for forming a sealis described. At step 602, electrical leads may be formed. For example,the electrical leads may be formed by any molding, cutting, or extrusionprocess. In this example, the leads formed are square or rectangular inshape in the cross section. However, other configurations and shapes forthe leads are possible.

At step 604, the housing is molded over the leads and forms a cavity.The cavity exposes portions of the leads. The housing may be formed fromplastic or some other suitable material. Additionally, the housing maybe formed by using a mold or some similar arrangement.

At step 606, the cavity is filled with an adhesive material. This can beaccomplished by any method such as injecting or pouring the adhesivematerial into the cavity. The adhesive may be an epoxy or fluorocarbon.Other examples of adhesives are possible.

At step 608, the adhesive material is cured. For example, the adhesivematerial may be subjected to heat from an oven or similar arrangement.In one example, the adhesive material is heated at a temperature of 140degrees Celsius for one hour.

In some examples, the cavity extends completely through the housing. Inthis case, a block may be placed and secured (e.g., screwed) beneath thehousing before filling the cavity is accomplished. The block is used toprevent adhesive from leaking through the cavity during pouring of theadhesive material. In one example, the block is composed of Teflon.However, the block may be composed of other materials as well. After theadhesive is cured, the block is removed.

Thus, seals for electrical leads in electronic transmission systems andapproaches for manufacturing these seals are provided. The sealsprovided herein substantially reduce or eliminate the intrusion offluids into electronic housings in transmission systems. The approachesdescribed herein are easy to manufacture, cost-effective to implement,and substantially reduce or eliminate fluid intrusion into electronichousings in transmission systems. Consequently, malfunctions orinoperability of electronic components due to fluid intrusion isreduced.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety ofmodifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect tothe above described embodiments without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, andcombinations are to be viewed as being within the scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A seal for preventing the entry of fluid into anelectronic control housing in a transmission system, comprising: ahousing, the housing having an exterior surface and forming a cavityextending from the exterior surface into the housing, the cavitydefining at least one slanted interior surface, the at least one slantedinterior surface extending from the exterior surface of the housing andbeing in a substantially non-perpendicular and angled relation to theexterior surface of the housing and the at least one slanted surfacefurther formed of a plurality of individual step portions; at least oneelectrical lead extending through the housing and having a portionexposed across the cavity therein, the at least one electrical leadextending from the housing and configured to be in electrical contactwith at least one electrical component encased within the electroniccontrol housing; and an adhesive material that substantially fills thecavity and surrounds the exposed portion of the at least one electricallead within the cavity.
 2. A seal for preventing the entry of fluid intoan electronic control housing in a transmission system, comprising: ahousing, the housing having an exterior surface and forming a cavityextending from the exterior surface into the housing, the cavitydefining at least one slanted interior surface, the at least one slantedinterior surface extending from the exterior surface of the housing andbeing in a substantially non-perpendicular and angled relation to theexterior surface of the housing and the at least one slanted surface isformed with a wave-like pattern; at least one electrical lead extendingthrough the housing and having a portion exposed across the cavitytherein, the at least one electrical lead extending from the housing andconfigured to be in electrical contact with at least one electricalcomponent encased within the electronic control housing; and an adhesivematerial that substantially fills the cavity and surrounds the exposedportion of the at least one electrical lead within the cavity.
 3. A sealfor preventing the entry of fluid into an electronic control housing ina transmission system, comprising: a housing, the housing having anexterior surface and forming a cavity extending from the exteriorsurface into the housing, the cavity defining at least one slantedinterior surface, the at least one slanted interior surface extendingfrom the exterior surface of the housing and being in a substantiallynon-perpendicular and angled relation to the exterior surface of thehousing and the cavity further defining a side surface, the side surfacebeing in substantially perpendicular relation and in communication withthe exterior surface and in substantially parallel relation to the atleast one electrical lead, the side surface formed of a wave-likepattern; at least one electrical lead extending through the housing andhaving a portion exposed across the cavity therein, the at least oneelectrical lead extending from the housing and configured to be inelectrical contact with at least one electrical component encased withinthe electronic control housing; and an adhesive material thatsubstantially fills the cavity and surrounds the exposed portion of theat least one electrical lead within the cavity.
 4. A seal for preventingthe entry of fluid into an electronic control housing in a transmissionsystem, comprising: a housing, the housing having an exterior surfaceand forming a cavity extending from the exterior surface into thehousing, the cavity defining at least one slanted interior surface, theat least one slanted interior surface extending from the exteriorsurface of the housing and being in a substantially non-perpendicularand angled relation to the exterior surface of the housing; at least oneelectrical lead extending through the housing and having a portionexposed across the cavity therein, the at least one electrical leadextending from the housing and configured to be in electrical contactwith at least one electrical component encased within the electroniccontrol housing; and an adhesive material that substantially fills thecavity and surrounds the exposed portion of the at least one electricallead within the cavity; wherein the seal is configured to be disposedwithin the electronic control housing of the transmission system.
 5. Aseal for preventing the entry of fluid into an electronic controlhousing in a transmission system, comprising: a housing, the housinghaving an exterior surface and forming a cavity extending from theexterior surface into the housing, the cavity defining at least oneslanted interior surface, the at least one slanted interior surfaceextending from the exterior surface of the housing and being in asubstantially non-perpendicular and angled relation to the exteriorsurface of the housing; at least one electrical lead extending throughthe housing and having a portion exposed across the cavity therein, theat least one electrical lead extending from the housing and configuredto be in electrical contact with at least one electrical componentencased within the electronic control housing; and an adhesive materialthat substantially fills the cavity and surrounds the exposed portion ofthe at least one electrical lead within the cavity; wherein the seal isconfigured to be disposed outside of and communicate with the electroniccontrol housing of the transmission system.
 6. A transmission assembly,comprising: an electronic control housing, the electronic controlhousing having at least one electronic control component disposedtherein; a seal in communication with the electronic control housing,the seal having an exterior surface and forming a cavity extending intothe seal, the cavity defining at least one slanted interior surface, theat least one slanted interior surface extending from the exteriorsurface and being in a substantially non-perpendicular and angularrelation to the exterior surface; at least one electrical lead extendingthrough the seal and having a portion exposed across the cavity therein,the at least one electrical lead extending from the seal and beingcoupled to the at least electronic control component; and an adhesivematerial that substantially fills the cavity and surrounds the exposedportion of the at least one electrical lead within the cavity of theseal.
 7. The transmission assembly of claim 6 wherein the adhesivematerial is a material selected from a group consisting of an epoxy anda fluorocarbon.
 8. The transmission assembly of claim 6 wherein the atleast one slanted surface of the cavity of the seal is further formed ofa plurality of individual step portions.
 9. The transmission assembly ofclaim 6 wherein the at least one slanted surface is formed with awave-like pattern.
 10. The transmission assembly of claim 6 wherein thecavity of the seal further defines a side surface, the side surfacebeing in substantially perpendicular relation and in communication withthe exterior surface and in substantially parallel relation to the atleast one electrical lead, the side surface formed with a wave-likepattern.
 11. The transmission assembly of claim 6 wherein the seal isdisposed within the electronic control housing.
 12. The transmissionassembly of claim 6 wherein the seal is disposed outside of theelectronic control housing.